The acquisition of former Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward was a coup for the Boston Celtics. After all, the team absolutely needed a top-tier player at the position to combat the likes of LeBron James and, even with some salary cap shuffling, the Celtics were able to add Hayward without gutting their roster in the form of a trade.
Videos by FanBuzz
However, the move will not come without consequence in at least one way, as Hayward will be wearing a number that may not sit well with the fans of one living legend.
Ray Allen's number will NOT be retired. #Celtics confirm Gordon Hayward will wear No. 20.
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) July 14, 2017
Yes, Ray Allen's No. 20 will not be hanging in the rafters in Boston.
That is not an earth-shattering surprise given that Allen's best seasons, at least individually speaking, did not come in Boston. Still, the future Hall of Fame shooting guard spent five years with the Celtics and famously was a huge part of Boston's last title victory in 2008 when he paired with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to bring glory back to the franchise.
Since then, there has been some fallout with Allen, including a noted absence in a recent television reunion of members of the 2008 team. Still, there is certainly a contingent of Celtics fans that won't take kindly to the knowledge that Allen's number won't be retired, even if it means that Gordon Hayward will be comfortable in his usual number.
